I downloaded install-x86-minimal-20130528.iso 05-Aug-2013 18:19 157M from http://distfiles.gentoo.org/releases/x86/autobuilds/current-iso/default/20130528/. using the downthemall addon for firefox. I used the Universal Usb installer version 1.9.2.4/ I attempted to boot with the default kernel selection. which proceeded to a black screen. I then tried the gentoo-nofb slowusb acpi=off arguments and the system booted to a login screen none (gentoo) : I tried to login with root for the username and password aswell as root and toor root and password. neither would allow me to log in. The system is a Gateway GT5674 stock system. amd phenom 2.2ghz quadcore. 3gigs ddr 3 memory 500 gig ide harddrive geforce 6150 graphics chipset. I really want to install gentoo on this system and would greatly appreciate any help. edit* I created an inmage in vmware player 9 and it booted just fine. are there any other steps I can take to get to a livecd prompt so i can start the install.

Booting the liveCD should take you to a root shell, not the login prompt.
The root password is randomised on boot, so there is no way to log in.

The good news is that the liveCD only provides as few tools for you to be able to accomplish the install.
None of the code from the boot media goes into your Gentoo install. This means you can start from almost any Linux CD/DVD you happen to have lying around.

System Rescue CD is a good starting point. Its Gentoo based, provides a lightweight GUI, so you can read the the forums and the on line documentation and join #gentoo on irc.freenode.net while you install. It is also provided with a script to install onto a USB stick.

Rumour has it that the boxed edition of System Rescue CD has the words Don't Panic! on the cover in large friendly letters too but I've never seen one. :)_________________Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.